2018 Community Luncheon

On May 2, we welcomed over 1,200 community members to the Benton Convention Center for the Foundation's 2018 Community Luncheon. After Foundation highlights, the 2018 Winston-Salem Foundation Award and 2018 ECHO Awards were presented to an exemplary group of community builders. Following the awards, keynote speaker Dr. Gregory Ellison II and his team from Fearless Dialogues led the group through an interactive presentation designed to help us "fear less" in conversations with others. We learned how unlikely relationships can change the way we see ourselves and those around us - and ultimately shape our community for the better!

Dr. Gregory Ellison II is the founder of Fearless Dialogues, an organization whose mission is to foster strong communities for the common good by creating spaces for unlikely relationships to change the way people see themselves and the world around them. He is the author of two books, including the recently-released Fearless Dialogues: A New Movement for Justice.

BE FEAR + LESS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Creating communities that fear less and hope more requires continual engagement. Here are five practices for tackling the fears that can lead to invisibility and muteness in communities.

Build momentum for change through small internal shifts - three feet at a time - it's not seismic or tectonic movment

Creatively capture attention and strategically build rapport

Invite the insights emerging from the margins (unfamiliar and previously muted voices)

Honor the expertise of non-experts

Check the temperature of the community and create spaces for care in times of crisis

TAKE THE 3-FEET CHALLENGE

Over the next three days, SEE three people who cross within your three feet. Take the time to HEAR their stories. Cultivate CHANGE by asking yourself the following questions:

How did it feel to participate in the 3-Feet Challenge?

How did the three persons that you took the time to see and hear respond?

What did you learn about yourself?

How did this exercise change your vision or how you move in the world?

Share your experiences! #3feetchallengeSPONSORS

Many thanks to the 83 sponsors who signed on to be Community Investors, Community Builders, and Community Supporters - their generous support allowed the Foundation to provide greater community access to the Luncheon - which is what the gathering is all about. Special thanks to Wells Fargo for sponsoring our Keynote Speaker and to Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem, Triad Business Journal, and Winston-Salem Journal for their sponsorship at the Community Investor level!

A great crowd of 1,100 community members gathered at the Benton Convention Center on May 6 for the 2015 Community Luncheon. After Foundation highlights were delivered, the 2015 Winston-Salem Foundation Award and 2015 ECHO Awards were presented to an exemplary group of community builders. To review the luncheon program, click here.